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Product Comparison

Here's our complete breakdown comparing the ingredients, attributes, and more of The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane versus Versed Recovery Mode Advanced Night Cream .

Last updated on January 14, 2024. Published on February 13, 2022

Overview

What they are

These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, sensitive skin and reducing pores

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens, silicones or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain oils

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that need an update? Let us know.

Serum Canadian Brand Canada
Night Moisturizer American Brand United States

Serum

Serums are highly concentrated with ingredients to provide skin with benefits. They should be used after cleansing and before moisturizing.

Night Moisturizer

Night Moisturizers are marketed to hydrate the skin overnight.

Price

Shop

Buy Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane

Starts at $16.10
Shop

Buy Recovery Mode Advanced Night Cream

Starts at $24.99

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Notable Ingredients

Retinoid

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Good For Oily Skin
Reduces Irritation
Skin Texture
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting

Concerns

Drying
Irritating

Notable Ingredients

Vitamin E

Benefits

Hydrating (2)
Redness Reducing
Reduces Irritation
Reduces Large Pores
Anti-Aging
Acne Fighting
Brightening (2)

Concerns

Rosacea (2)
Eczema (2)
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Ingredients Side-by-side

Ingredients that are highlighted in purple are present in both products.

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Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

1
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.

Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.

Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).

In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.

The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.

Is squalane vegan? This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.

Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.

Read more about squalene with an "e".

Learn more about Squalane

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane contains this as ingredient number 1.

Versed Recovery Mode Advanced Night Cream contains this as ingredient number 8.

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these two products.

40% are loved or liked
30% have mixed ratings
20% are disliked or very disliked
10% have no rating yet
46% are loved or liked
17% have mixed ratings
23% are disliked or very disliked
14% have no rating yet

Usage

Here's some more info on how this product is used by our community.

When to use

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Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 10 ingredients

4.0 /5
from 3 ratings
Oily (2) Great Value (2) Light (1) No Scent (1) Works Well (1) Light Scent (1)
AshN.'s avatar

AshN.

3 months ago · Dry Skin
Review

(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations....

(Tried May 2023) Another retinoid in The Ordinary's lineup that I enjoyed using. As far as efficacy, it's the strongest of the three formulations. This is what I upgraded to after using The Ordinary's Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion. I experienced no irritation with this product despite it's strength and I liked how radiant my skin felt the next morning. Very affordable for the amount and how long it lasts. The only thing I disliked with this formulation is that it's more similar to an oil rather than a serum.

YuxuanP's avatar

YuxuanP

1 month ago · Combination Skin
Review

This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not...

This serum is really greasy and not easy to absorb, but for its price point I think the skin feel is just what it is. I personally would not repurchase

Versed Recovery Mode Advanced Night Cream 35 ingredients

Recovery Mode Advanced Night Cream hasn't been rated yet.
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Alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 12 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane.

See 12 alternatives

Our Dupe Finder has found 2 potential alternatives that have similar ingredients to Versed Recovery Mode Advanced Night Cream.

See 2 alternatives
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